Prepare for Takeoff!

By Avril Rinn

The yelp of pain was followed by a busload of sympathetic groans. “I’m so sorry!” cried the horrified young man who had stepped on the tail of Bismarck, my three-year-old German shepherd. Chin on my knee, the rest of him squeezed as close to me as possible, my trusty guide stoically endures our weekly trips on the overcrowded No. 2 bus. I try to keep track of his tail, but don’t always succeed. When I used a white cane, I could fold it up and stow it in my backpack if things got crowded, but 75-pound Bismarck is not quite that compact.

Aside from the occasional stepped-on tail, however, Bismarck and I get around town fairly easily. Travelling with a guide dog presents unique challenges whether you’re going across town or around theglobe, but planning and research can reduce the frustration and hassle.

In Canada and the U.S., guide dogs are permitted in taxis and on all other forms of public transportation. Each province and state has its own laws, but they are basically the same: guide dogs can go anywhere people can, and guide dog users cannot be denied service or charged an extra fee because the dog is along for the ride. Individuals or organizations found guilty of violating these laws can be charged, with penalties ranging from fines of up to $5,000 to jail time.

Transportation companies large and small have policies governing access. All allow guide dogs, but the details can vary – check when planning your trip. For example, VIA Rail offers guide dog users a double seat at no extra charge, while Amtrak’s policy states that if the dog is found to be causing a “significant disturbance,” the crew can turn it over to animal control officials.

Graduates of accredited guide dog schools are issued an ID card that includes a picture of the guide dog and master. Carry this card at all times – you and your dog could be denied access without it. Going abroad, including visits to territories of the U.S., can be more complicated.

“Detailed research is necessary,” says Marie Stark of Ottawa, who has travelled extensively and always takes her dog, Zena. “Procedures change all the time and are different with each country.”

Canadian consulates and embassies in your destination country are a good place to start your research. (Visit www.dfaitmaeci.gc.ca/world/embassies/menu-en.asp for a list.)

Typically, travellers with guide dogs are asked to provide a vaccination record, a recent health certificate, proof that their dogs are trained guide dogs and not pets, and forms unique to the country they are visiting. Arranging all the paperwork can take weeks, so start the process early.

It’s also important to consider your dog’s needs. Dogs, like people, are individuals who may or may not adapt well to the stresses of travel, and they have unique needs around relief times, eating, drinking and sleeping. Travelling will be much less stressful for both you and your dog if you take this into account.

“You really need to know your dog,” says Dawn Crockett, from London, Ontario, explaining that though her dog, Zeek, likes to travel on a full stomach, some dogs don’t, and withholding food until the end of the trip is necessary.

Crockett says another challenge is that some dogs will only “go” on grass, which is not the easiest thing to find in airports and train stations. She suggests “practising” with your dog on alternative surfaces prior to the trip if you think this might be a problem.

With forethought and planning, guide dogs and their owners can have safe and enjoyable travel experiences. Bismarck and I can hardly wait for our next adventure! Avril Rinn and Leader Dog Bismarck live and work in London, Ontario. Read more articles about guide dogs at the Abilities website, www.abilities.ca.

PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Here are several tips from experienced travellers to help ensure your dog’s comfort and safety on your next journey:
* Use a travel agent to make arrangements that include your dog.
* Have your guide dog’s existence noted on all travel documents.
* On long trips, ensure the dog has enough room to lie down, cannot be stepped on, and is not too close to a heater or air conditioner.
* Arrange flights around the dog’s schedule when possible.
* Insist on a bulkhead seat when flying so that there is space for your dog. Allow the dog to move around during the flight, and feed your dog ice to keep her from becoming dehydrated.
* Bring the dog’s regular food and use bottled water.
* Carry a pet first-aid kit.